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Hang in there, kiddies.

November 30, 2011

Can you believe it is already “that” time of year? Seems like you just finished your “mid terms” (what a misnomer that is at Hopkins) and now you are heading into finals week. Ready to pull your hair out yet? Dreaming of running far, far away? Already planning on carving out your own special spot in the deepest corner of the MSEL? I feel for you, I really do. I finished my Bachelor’s degree here in 2006, which means I started my senior year classes the same year that I switched to the “new” job as the liaison AND moved to Baltimore. The definition of the word “STRESS” took on a whole new meaning for me in ’05/’06.

First of all, I have faith that you can do this. You got into this school because we believe that you can do it. You need to believe it, too. Hang in, there.

Second, you have got to help yourself get through this stressful time. Take advantage of some of the opportunities available to unwind a little.

Get destressed at DeStress Fest! From 6pm until 8pm tonight in the AMR I multipurpose room. Free back rubs, bowling, a zen den, s’mores and more!!

Come out to the “Lighting of the Quads” tonight at 9pm! Seriously! Take a little time to enjoy a Hopkins tradition, have some hot apple cider, hang out with your classmates and kick off the winter holidays with a smile! You can also check out the Gingerbread House competition! 9pm – midnight on the upper quad.

Stop in the Gilman atrium for free coffee and donuts tonight, brought to you by the Senior Leadership Consultants. 9:30pm – 11pm.

On Wednesday, December 7th, join the brothers of SigEp at the MSEL for “Super Smash Bros“. From 1pm – 5pm you can enjoy free coffee, more back rubs from the JHU StressBusters, have a chance to win prizes from Maxie’s and Freshii’s AND smash the heck out of items with a bat and a hammer. Yup…release some of the pent up feelings without getting into trouble and help raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Third, cut back on the alcohol consumption. Yeah, I said it. Slow down on the “apple juice” and “lemonade”, please. You can’t drink the stress away permanently. When you are stressed and consuming alcohol, bad things happen. Bad things get you kicked out of good schools. Keep it in moderation if you do drink.

Finally, sometimes things really do get too overwhelming. The most important thing to remember is to take care of yourselves, first and foremost. Don’t forget to eat. I’m not being silly, I am serious. Every year around this time, someone is taken to the hospital because they have neglected to properly nourish and hydrate. Get some sleep. The occasional “all nighters” happen, but do not make that a habit. Over consumption of caffeine, energy drinks, OTC and prescription meds are only going to make things worse, not better.

If you find that you need help this time of year, do not be afraid to ask for it. Need to talk confidentially to a peer about something? Check out A.P.T.T. Need to talk to a counselor? The Counseling Center is located in the Homewood Apartments, suite S-200. There are always counselors on call, 24/7. If you feel you need to speak to a counselor right away, call the campus police department at 410-516-7777 and ask to speak to a counselor on call. Talk to someone before it gets too out of hand for you.